Yes, I did take away all my kids toys. Toys, books, puzzles, and stuffies...they are put away. I cleared off the bookshelves, crafty/puzzle closet, toy boxes, everything. I have been at war with the toys in this house for far too long. One day, I had just "had it." It's a bit of a story that includes crayon on walls, unexpected hair cuts, and toys everywhere. I have noticed my kids are pretty obsessed with "stuff". I realize it's more of a heart issue than anything, and taking everything away isn't going to "fix" it, per say. It doesn't solve the root of the problem, I know.

This decision was mostly for my own sanity. As I joked to my husband, I had two options. 1) Hop on a plane to Bermuda or 2) Put every single toy, book, game, puzzle, movie away. Being the responsible and mature adult that I am (Ha!), I chose option 2.

For the past 4 days, things around here have gone so much better. Our kids loved going outside to play, making up their own games, making blanket forts, giving each other rides in the laundry basket, and tons of make-believe-games with their few (as in 4 or 5) toys I have let them have for now. In fact, the change has been so fantastic that I'm thinking about selling 75 percent of the toys once we get back to earning the toys back. Sure, some won't agree with our decision, but it has been the right decision for our family for now. Inspirational reading regarding this topic includes Why I Took My Kids' Toys Away and Why Fewer Toys Will Benefit Your Kids.

I pass no judgement on to other families who love toys and have many. Every family is different. This is just the right direction for ours. My husband is completely on board with this. Our goal is not zero toys. The goal is fewer toys. Actually, no. The goal is eventually addressing the heart issues that go along with our consumer-driven, entitled, keeping-up-with-the-Jones society.

Welcome

Welcome to The Homemaking Pilgrim! Thanks for stopping by. I am the grace-saved daughter of the King, blessed wife of almost 10 years to my best friend, and Mama to 3 sweet children. My greatest desire is to point others to Jesus while living the pilgrim life in a world that is not my home. Join me as I share my passion for homemaking, home schooling, home cooking, motherhood, frugal living, and biblical truth.

About Me

Information About Neutropenia

Updates on Our Daughter

Our daughter was diagnosed with severe chronic benign neutropenia. As of March 2012, she is no longer neutropenic! For her story & updates, please scroll down this side column to the section called Labels and click on the link "Updates on Little Bittles."

"Narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it" (from Matthew 7:14)

Disclaimer

This blog represents the opinions of its author. Any information gleaned from this blog is at the reader's own risk. The information on this blog is not medical, legal, or professional advice. The material on this blog may not be used, reprinted, or published without the author's written consent. The author of this blog reserves the right to change the focus of this blog or amend information on this blog at any time. From time to time this blog may link to an external website. This blog may also display links to external websites or blogs that the blog author believes to have some useful information about homemaking and other topics this blog covers. Please note that the author of this blog does not necessarily agree with, or endorse, information on these external websites. This author is not responsible for information gleaned from any external websites that may or may not be associated with this blog. Read these external websites at your own risk. This author reserves the right to delete or amend comments made on this blog. Readers are asked to use biblical discernment when reading all things listed on this blog and on any other website/blog that this blog may link to.